Mafi Kope residents appeal for urgent medical intervention over illnesses affecting children, adults

Residents of Mafi Kope, a fishing community in the Oti Region's Nkwanta South Municipality, are urgently requesting medical assistance due to a string of illnesses affecting both children and adults. This health crisis has been ongoing for an extended period, causing significant disruption to the lives of affected families.

Children are among the most severely impacted, suffering from sores, skin infections, and even mobility issues that prevent them from walking. Other residents have reported ear-related problems, including difficulties in hearing. A resident, Moses Ahator, expressed deep concern over the situation as some children are unable to attend school because of their severe condition.

He pointed out that some adults, both men and women, have developed sores in private areas. Despite visits to various health facilities, residents have not received a clear explanation of the illness's cause.

Veronica Vorsa, a parent of one of the affected children, described her daughter's predicament, stating that her inability to walk stems from the same condition. She has appealed to the government and medical professionals to visit the community, perform comprehensive medical examinations, and administer appropriate treatment.

Residents are demanding urgent screening, diagnosis, treatment, and public health education to identify the nature of the illnesses and prevent their spread. The Nkwanta South Municipal Health Director, Evans Attivor, confirmed the existence of cases of angular stomatitis, bilharzia, and other skin infections in Mafi Kope. He also noted that previous visits to the community resulted in inconclusive tests, which did not establish a definitive cause for the reported health conditions. He attributes the increasing cases to poor nutrition and other contributing factors.

Attivor urged residents to maintain a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to bolster the body's immune system and fight off diseases. He advised community members to seek medical attention immediately upon noticing unusual symptoms and recommended parents to ensure that affected children receive proper examination and follow-up care.

Despite this, the residents insist that their situation demands immediate and sustained attention from health authorities, primarily due to the impact on children's education, mobility, and overall well-being.